Angled-finned flying beverage bottles

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are aerodynamic beverage bottles having fins incorporated within the wall of a bottle body providing for aerodynamic guidance in a direction defined by a vector passing through the neck, each of the fins defining a plane passing through the substantial center of each fin, the defining vector being non-positionable within any of the planes of defined by each fin. Those bottles may incorporate a base section adapted for transport in a track or conveyor of bottling machinery; aerodynamic noses and nosecones, attachable to the neck or bottom of a bottle or other location, optionally holding an object, prize or additive, and a production sleeve permitting transport through a track or conveyor. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a divisional of U.S. Utility application Ser. No.11/856,015 filed Sep. 15, 2007, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/825,898 filed on Sep. 15, 2006 both ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference, each in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Disclosed herein are systems and methods relate generally to throwable,tossable or launchable beverage bottles and containers, and moreparticularly to a beverage bottle that incorporates one or more of thefollowing briefly described features: fins that are molded in, attachedindividually or in a finned section; a base section adapting a finnedbottle to be transported in a track or conveyor of beverage or bottlingmachinery; noses or nosecones providing improved aerodynamic properties,attachable to the neck or bottom of a bottle or other location,optionally holding an object, prize or additive, also optionally actingas a stand for the bottle; a production sleeve permitting transportthrough a track or conveyor; noses, fins and finned sections that arereversible; a crush zone for absorbing impact energy; an optional pumpfor providing thrust or structural pressure, some of which pumps areincorporated into the bottle product and others provided externally, andfor launchable products, nozzles and mechanisms for containing thrustpressure.

Also disclosed herein are beverage bottles that include thecharacteristics of fins incorporated within the wall of a bottle body,the fins providing for aerodynamic guidance of the body as the bodytravels through the air in a direction defined by a vector passingthrough the neck, wherein each of the fins define a plane passingthrough the substantial center of each fin, further wherein the definingvector is locatable within each of the planes of each fin such that theintersection of each of the planes and the defining vector is a line.Also disclosed herein are beverage bottles that include thecharacteristics of fins incorporated within the wall of the bottle body,the fins providing for aerodynamic guidance of the body as the bodytravels through the air in a direction defined by a vector passingthrough the neck, wherein each of the fins define a plane passingthrough the substantial center of each fin, further wherein the definingvector may not be positioned to be contained within any of the planes ofdefined by each fin.

Also disclosed herein are beverage bottles that include a narrowedportion, the narrowed portion dividing the volume of the bottle bodybetween a first portion including fins and a second portion, and furtherwherein the bottle body is configured to contain a majority of volume inthe second portion.

Also disclosed herein are beverage bottles that include thecharacteristics of a finned section attachable to a bottle body, thefinned section positioning a plurality of fins configured to provideaerodynamic guidance of the body as it travels through the air in adirection defined by a vector originating from the center of the finstoward an attached nose, wherein the finned section is reversible inthat there are two different orientations of attaching said finnedsection to the bottle body and in that the profile of the fins isdifferent when attached in a first orientation from the profile of asecond orientation. As disclosed herein, a finned section may alsointegrate a nose.

Also disclosed herein are beverage bottles that include thecharacteristics of a crush zone within a bottle body. Also disclosedherein are beverage bottles that include the characteristics of thecombination of a bottle body and a nose, the bottle body bottomincluding a fitment configured to accept and attach in a secondconfiguration a nose through that fitment, which second configurationprovides a stand for the bottle body. Other configurations apart from oradditional to these are also disclosed, as is apparent from thespecification and drawings as apparent to one of ordinary skill.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are aerodynamic beverage bottles that incorporate oneor more of: fins that are molded in, attached individually or in afinned section; a base section adapting a finned bottle for transport ina track or conveyor of bottling machinery; aerodynamic noses andnosecones, attachable to the neck or bottom of a bottle or otherlocation, optionally holding an object, prize or additive, alsooptionally acting as a stand for the bottle; a production sleevepermitting transport through a track or conveyor; noses, fins and finnedsections that are reversible; a crush zone for absorbing impact energy;a pump for providing thrust or structural pressure, some incorporatedinto the bottle product and others provided externally, and forlaunchable products, nozzles and mechanisms for containing thrustpressure. Detailed information on various example embodiments of theinventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and theinventions are defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts the top of two stackable and fitted containers of afirst “missile” type of launchable beverage container product.

FIG. 1B depicts the side and bottom of the container of the “missile”container product.

FIG. 1C depicts the nosecone of the “missile” container product.

FIG. 1D depicts an assembled “missile” type of launchable beveragecontainer product.

FIG. 1E depicts the geometry of an exemplary throwable container havingstraight fins.

FIG. 1F depicts in cross-section two stackable and fitted containers the“missile” beverage container product.

FIG. 2A depicts the assembly of a second “tear” type of launchablebeverage container product.

FIG. 2B depicts an assembly of the “tear” product with a transparentnosecone.

FIG. 2C shows the nosecone of the “tear” product in cross-section.

FIG. 2D illustrates the assembly of the body and nosecone of the “tear”product.

FIG. 3A shows the unassembled parts of a third “spinner” type oflaunchable beverage container product.

FIG. 3B illustrates the assembly of the nosecone, cap and body of the“spinner” product.

FIG. 3C depicts the “spinner” product after assembly.

FIG. 3D depicts the geometry of an exemplary throwable container havingangled fins.

FIG. 3E shows an exemplary nosecone fittable to a cap using detents.

FIG. 3F shows an exemplary nosecone fittable to a cap utilizing a slip-or friction-fit.

FIG. 4A shows the unassembled parts of a fourth “bomb” type oflaunchable beverage container product.

FIG. 4B illustrates the assembly of the nosecone, cap and body of the“bomb” product.

FIG. 4C depicts the “bomb” product after assembly.

FIG. 5A shows the unassembled parts of the “bomb” product including aproduction sleeve.

FIG. 5B depicts the “bomb” product with production sleeve in aready-to-consume state.

FIG. 5C depicts the “bomb” product with production sleeve in a fullyassembled state.

FIG. 5D depicts the “bomb” product with the production sleeve removed,and in a launchable state.

FIG. 5E depicts two production sleeves, with and without anti-rotationribs, adapted for the “bomb” product.

FIG. 6A illustrates the assembly of a nosecone, cap and body of a fifthtype of launchable beverage container product having launching lugs.

FIG. 6B shows nosecone from two angles of fifth type of launchablebeverage container product with launching lugs.

FIG. 6C illustrates a launching procedure for the fifth type oflaunchable beverage container product with launching lugs.

FIG. 7A depicts an assembled “bomb” type of launchable beveragecontainer product having a prize cavity in the nose.

FIG. 7B shows a holding clip securing an object inside a nosecone cavityin the “bomb” type of product.

FIG. 7C illustrates the application of a beverage additive stored in anose cavity in the “bomb” type of product.

FIG. 8A depicts an assembled a “bomb” type of launchable beveragecontainer having a bottle base attaching nose and a neck attaching finsection.

FIG. 8B illustrates the the storage of a cap with a cavity formedbetween a nose and body in a “bomb” type of product.

FIG. 8C illustrates the application of a beverage additive stored in anose cavity in the “bomb” type of product of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A depicts a first assembly of a “spy bottle” type of launchablebeverage container product having a nose and finned section formed on atree.

FIG. 9B depicts a second assembly in launchable condition of a “spybottle” product with nose and finned section separated.

FIG. 9C depicts the unassembled parts of the “spy bottle” product withnose and finned section separated.

FIG. 10A depicts a first type of pressurizable, launchable beveragecontainer product in a shippable state.

FIG. 10B illustrates the disassembly of first pressurizable product bythe consumer.

FIG. 10C depicts the first pressurizable product in a launchable state.

FIG. 10D illustrates the components assembly of the nozzle and pump ofthe first pressurizable product.

FIG. 11A depicts a nosecone-pump combination for a pressurizable,launchable beverage container product.

FIG. 11B illustrates the assembly of the nosecone-pump of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A depicts a nozzle-coupling pump with a first check-valveconfiguration for a pressurizable, launchable beverage containerproduct.

FIG. 12B illustrates the assembly of the nosecone-pump of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A depicts a nozzle-coupling pump with a second check-valveconfiguration for a pressurizable, launchable beverage containerproduct.

FIG. 13B illustrates the assembly of the nosecone-pump of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14A is an assembly view of the pump/release mechanism and nozzle ofFIG. 10D.

FIG. 14B shows a view of a coupled nozzle and pump assembly of the pumpand nozzle of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 14C illustrates the coupling between the nozzle and pump assemblyof the pump and nozzle of FIG. 14A as viewed from the pump.

FIG. 14D illustrates the coupling between the nozzle and pump assemblyof the pump and nozzle of FIG. 14A as viewed from the nozzle.

FIG. 15A illustrates the assembly of a piston-type of pump that iscouplable to a pressurizable, launchable beverage container product.

FIG. 15B illustrates the assembly of the piston-type pump of FIG. 15Afrom a side-on view.

FIG. 15C shows the assembled piston-type of pump of FIG. 15A in adepressed state.

FIG. 15D shows the assembled piston-type of pump of FIG. 15A in adepressed state from a side-angle.

FIG. 15E shows the assembled piston-type of pump of FIG. 15A in aextended state.

FIG. 16 depicts a a “boomerang” type of launchable beverage containerproduct in a capped and uncapped state.

FIG. 17 depicts a a “disc” type of launchable beverage container productin a capped and uncapped state.

FIG. 18A depicts a a “spear” type of launchable beverage containerproduct coupled to an atlatl-type launcher.

FIG. 18B shows the unassembled components of the “spear” product of FIG.18A.

FIG. 18C illustrates the launching operation of the “spear” product ofFIG. 18A.

FIG. 19A depicts another type of launchable beverage container producthaving a reversible finned section and a base-coupling nose in alaunchable state.

FIG. 19B depicts the product of FIG. 19A in a storage or shipment state.

FIG. 19C shows the disassembly of the product of FIG. 19A.

FIG. 19D shows the finned section of the product of FIG. 19A in twoviews.

FIG. 20A depicts another type of launchable beverage container producthaving a reversible finned section and a crush zone.

FIG. 20B depicts another type of launchable beverage container producthaving fins molded into the body and a crush zone.

FIG. 20C is a larger view of the product of FIG. 20A.

FIG. 20D is a product of the type of FIG. 20A with a waved crush zone.

FIG. 21 depicts another type of launchable beverage container producthaving a reversible finned section and a common water bottle.

FIG. 22A depicts another type of launchable beverage container producthaving attachable fins.

FIG. 22B depicts another type of launchable beverage container producthaving a slotted body for receiving fins.

FIG. 22B depicts another type of launchable beverage container producthaving a slotted cap for receiving fins.

FIG. 23A depicts another type of launchable beverage container productin a shippable condition having a slotted cap for receiving fins, alsowith a slotted nose.

FIG. 23B depicts the product of FIG. 23A after disassembly from ashippable condition.

FIG. 23C illustrates the assembly of the product of FIG. 23A into alaunchable condition.

FIG. 23D shows the product of FIG. 23A in a launchable condition asviewed from the side.

FIG. 23E shows the product of FIG. 23A in a launchable condition asviewed from the tail.

FIG. 24A depicts another type of launchable beverage container productin a shippable condition having hinged fins on a cap.

FIG. 24B depicts the product of FIG. 24A after disassembly from ashippable condition.

FIG. 24C illustrates the reconfiguration of the product of FIG. 24A intoa launchable condition.

FIG. 24D shows the product of FIG. 24A in a launchable condition asviewed from the side.

FIG. 25A shows the components of an “all-in-one” type of launchablebeverage container product having a piece incorporating a nose and fins

FIG. 25B illustrates the assembly of the all-in-one product of FIG. 25A.

FIG. 25C depicts the all-in-one product of FIG. 25A in a launchablecondition.

FIG. 26A shows an “interior containment” type of launchable beveragecontainer product in a shippable/storable condition.

FIG. 26B shows the product of FIG. 26A in a shippable/storable conditionin cutaway view.

FIG. 26C illustrates the disassembly of the interior containment productof FIG. 26A from a shippable/storable condition.

FIG. 26D illustrates the assembly of the interior containment product ofFIG. 26A into a launchable condition.

FIG. 26E depicts the interior containment product of FIG. 26A in alaunchable condition.

FIG. 27A shows a “nose-base” type of launchable beverage containerproduct in a standable/drinkable condition.

FIG. 27B shows the stand mating of the nose-base to the bottle of theproduct of FIG. 27A.

FIG. 27C shows the closure mating of the nose-base to the bottle of theproduct of FIG. 27A.

FIG. 27D shows the nose-base product of FIG. 27A in alternateconfiguration.

FIG. 27E shows an exemplary nosecone fittable to an uncapped bottleusing threads.

FIG. 28A depicts another type of launchable beverage container producthaving a reversible finned section and a reversible base in ashipment/storage state.

FIG. 28B depicts the product of FIG. 28A after disassembly from theshipment/storage state.

FIG. 28C illustrates the assembly of the components of the product ofFIG. 28A into a standable state.

FIG. 28D illustrates the assembly of the components of the product ofFIG. 28A into a launchable state.

FIG. 28E depicts the product of FIG. 28A in a launchable state.

FIG. 29A depicts a launch of a “football” type of pressurizable,launchable beverage container.

FIG. 29B shows a disassembly of the components of the “football” productof FIG. 29A.

FIG. 29C shows the “football” product of FIG. 29A in an outside andcross-sectional view.

FIG. 29D illustrates the assembly of the components of the “football”product of FIG. 29A.

FIG. 30A depicts another type of launchable beverage container producthaving nose sections connected to a body by living hinges.

FIG. 30B illustrates the disassembly of a nose from the body of theproduct of FIG. 30A into a drinkable configuration.

FIG. 31A depicts another type of launchable beverage container producthaving a nose connected to a body by a living hinge.

FIG. 31B illustrates the disassembly of a nose from the body of theproduct of FIG. 31A into a drinkable configuration.

FIG. 32A depicts another type of launchable beverage container producthaving finned sections connected to a body by living hinges.

FIG. 32B illustrates the disassembly of a finned section from the bodyof the product of FIG. 32A into a drinkable configuration.

Reference will now be made in detail to particular implementations ofthe various inventions described herein in their various aspects,examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and inthe detailed description below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Nose-Coned Beverage Products

Certain of the products described herein are capable of acting as acontainer for beverage and for performing a secondary entertainmentfunction. Although several products are described herein that implementsuch a dual functionality, the nose-coned product depicted in FIGS. 1A,1B, 1C and 1D provides a convenient introduction. That “missile” productincludes a main body container 10 and a nosecone 11. Body container 10is capable of containing a product, which may be a beverage such as asoft drink or a juice, and may be sealed in the ordinary way through theuse of a cap, lid or top. In this exemplary product, nosecone 11 isconfigured on the inside to fit over the neck of the bottle 10 by way ofa snug or tight fit over the cap and bottle neck, although a fittingmight also be by mating threads. Other attachment methods may be usedequally well in this and other examples; for example a ridge on theinside lower edge of the nose cone could mate to a flute on the outerbottle body, the nose could fit over a lug on the container body, beheld in place with a slip fitting, or simply glued. As will be seen fromthe discussion below, the nosecone 11 may be fashioned of a solidmaterial or alternatively may be formed hollow for example through theuse of a compressed gas molding process. Thus it is that body 10 andnosecone 11 serve as a container for which a beverage may be shipped anddispensed.

The secondary function, in this example, makes the bottle body 10 and anattached nosecone 11 into a throwable toy. Although an ordinary beveragebottle has certain unintentional aerodynamic properties, one who hasever thrown such a bottle knows that it is predisposed to rotate andtumble through the air and is not well suited to maintain a low-dragorientation through the air. The exemplary bottle body 10 includes fins12 molded into the sides of body 10 that serve to stabilize the bottlebody in flight with a corresponding aerodynamic improvement, if it isthrown in a proper manner. This product may be thrown like a spear forlong distance flights, as a dart for short distances, or held from thetail like a horse shoe is commonly thrown. Fins may provide stability inflight, increase aerodynamic performance, and provide visual appeal.Herein it is also contemplated that appropriate channels, flutes and/orrifling may be used to guide flight or add spin to a bottle in flight,however fins are deemed to be especially aesthetically attractive toprovide a rocket-like appearance. Referring to FIG. 1A, In the exemplarybottle fins 12 extend from the bottle body profile 16 such that aportion of the fins 12 passes through the air stream passing across thesides of the bottle body 10. Fins may be located on the bottle body in alocation where the body is wide, to take advantage of the increased airspeed and compression there.

Body 10 and nosecone 11, when attached, form a throwable toy 13. Tothrow this exemplary toy one grasps the bottle body near the location 14(or perhaps a little forward toward the nosecone 11) as one would graspa spear or a football and launches toy 13 nosecone-first. The launchingaction may be combined with an action providing spin to compensate forany axial imbalances and provide rotational momentum to maintain the toy13 in the launching orientation. To improve the aerodynamiccharacteristics of toy 13, bottle body may be weighted heavy in the noseas compared to the end (in this case the bottle bottom). This may bedone by forming the walls and the neck of the bottle in the area marked15 more thickly. Most advantageously, bottle body 10 may be formedthrough a blow-molding process, which may be controlled to provide addedthickness in the area nearest the neck 15.

The bottle body shown in FIG. 1B may be created using an automated massproduction manufacturing process capable of producing hollow parts.These processes include blow molding, rotational molding and others, thechoice of which will depend on the rate of protection desired, productcost and quality demands. A mold to produce the bottle body shown inFIG. 1B could include two parts, or could include more pieces to fashionmore complicated shapes or features.

A bottle body, such as that of FIG. 1B may be designed to be transportedon a conveyor or track and automatically filled with a beverage withouttipping, stoppage, jamming or clearance issues by appropriate design andsizing of the fins. The exemplary bottle body 10 includes a cylindrical,non-finned base portion 17 at the bottom to permit the bottle body to bemoved through a production and/or bottling process that uses a track;portion 17 is sized to minimize or prevent the interference of a trackwall with the fins 12. This base increases the ability of the bottlebody 10 to be transported on a conveyor and be automatically filled andcapped without tipping, stoppage, jamming, interference or clearanceissues. By appropriate design, contouring and sizing of the fins, abeverage product including a bottle body may accommodate existingdistribution, sales, vending and dispensing equipment, containers andprocesses.

Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E, a throwable beverage bottlemay be implemented in many ways. The tear-shaped design shown in FIG. 2Aincludes a bottle body 20 having fins 22, a base 27 and a neck (betterseen in FIG. 2D). The tear-shaped design likewise includes a nose cone21 shaped to fit over neck portion 15 and provide a smooth contour andtransition between the sides of body 20 in the outer portion of nosecone 21. The cross-section of nose cone 21 appears in FIG. 2C, andincludes a hollow portion 23 for receiving the bottle neck 15. Referringto FIG. 2D, bottle body 20 includes a protruding shoulder or ridge 19 afor receiving a channel 19 b formed in the nose cone 21, providing asecurement for the nose cone 21 onto neck 15. Nose cone 21 is made of apliable material permitting the nose cone to be stretched over ridge 19a. Examples of this include many materials used to make foams such aspolyurethane, polyvinlychloride (PVC), polystyrene, polyethylene,polypropylene, epoxy, phenolic, ABS, ureaformaldehydes, silicones,ionomers and cellulose acetates. Foams can also be made from resinsblended with rubbers to achieve a natural resilience. Closed-cell PVCfoams with nitrile rubber (Ensolite) are a good choice. PVC can also beplasticized to obtain soft and resilient foams. Both rigid (stiff walls)and flexible (walls collapse with pressure) foams can be used to fashiona nose cone. Other materials that might be used include expandedpolystyrene foam, polybutadiene rubber, open cell ester, neoprene andethafoam. Nosecones of other configurations described and/or claimedherein may be formed of these materials, recognizing that some noseconesmay be better harder or softer and more or less flexible. Alternatively,a nose cone might be made of a stiff or hard material, for exampleordinary thermoplastic, and the bottle body could be made pliable.

Although a nose cone may include threads fitting to the threads of abottle neck, this nose cone 21 does not. Rather, the interior 23 isshaped to simply slide on neck 15 without interference from any threadsor other features formed in the neck. Alternatively, the interior 18could be made slightly smaller than the threads or other neck featuresto provide a friction-fit of the nose cone on the bottle. In yet anotheralternative, the interior of a nose cone may be fashioned to fit over acapped bottle, using either a slip or a friction-fit. Examples of thesevariations will become clear in the discussion below.

Again, in the tear-drop design the nose-cone fits over the bottle neck15. In its shipped configuration a cap, not shown, is intended to belocated to neck 15 to contain the bottle contents. Nose cone 21 isdesigned to snap fit over the shoulder of bottle body 19 a and may beremoved and reattached repeatedly by the end-user. A cavity formed inthe nosecone 21 is sufficient to contain the mouth of a capped bottlebody 20 when the nosecone is fitted thereby. This product, includingbottle body 20, the cap and nosecone 21 may be packaged, shipped,distributed and sold in the fully assembled state shown in FIG. 2A.Alternatively, nosecone 21 could be shipped in an unmountedconfiguration, for example, by inclusion within a box containing bottlesas shipped. Alternatively, the nosecones could be provided as anunattached or separate item, for example in a bin separate from a shelfon which their corresponding beverages are located. Further yet, anosecone such as 21 could be shipped with bottle body 21 positioned in anear-final position (assuming that the capped bottle prevented a finalfit) and attached either loosely or with a fastener such as shrink wrap,elastics or even adhesive tape.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C depict a “spinner” design having several noteworthyfeatures. The reader will now recognize the bottle body 40 and nosecone41 features of this design. As seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG.3F, a nosecone 41 may be configured to receive by friction fit or aslip-fit a cap 49, through inner surface 50 b, by which bottle 40 may bea closed container. In another example shown in FIG. 3E, a cap may beconfigured to receive a cap 49 by detents 50 a. This design, however,does not include a base as identified as 17 or 27 in the missile ortear-drop bottles. Rather, fins 42 are configured as a stand for bottlebody 40, and are provided for on opposing sides to provide balance.Furthermore, several fins 42 are provided in a circumference similar tobases 17 or 27 so as to provide a portion that will fit within a trackof a bottling machine.

Furthermore in the “spinner” design, fins 42 are angled or twisted withrespect to the axis of symmetry. This serves to generate rotation aroundthe axis of the bottle when thrown, providing rotational momentum andstability in flight. The severity of the angle may be gentle to conserveenergy for long flight, or more severe to provide amusing motions.Angled or twisted fins may be provided in virtually any throwable bottledesign as desired.

Now referring to FIG. 1E, an exemplary throwable container 30 s havingstraight fins is depicted, having an axis of symmetry 31 passing throughneck 32. It is to be understood that the container need not be entirelysymmetric, and that axis 31 for the purposes of this discussion needonly pass through neck 32. Displayed with container 30 are two straightfins as seen in a forward view 33 f and a side view 33 s, those finsseparated by 90 degrees on the circumference of the container. Fins 33 fand 33 s are straight, like fins 12 on container 14 as shown in FIG. 1D.These fins are straight in the following sense. Each fin issubstantially symmetrical on both sides of a plane passing through thesubstantial center of each fin, and for a straight fin such a planeintersects with the axis of symmetry of the container 31. For fin 33 s,the plane would be parallel to the page, and for fin 33 f the planewould be perpendicular to the page. In the example, for both fins theintersection of their respective central planes is a line on axis ofsymmetry 31. The container 10 depicted in FIGS. 1B and 1D is such acontainer having straight fins.

On the other hand, a throwable container 30 a having angled fins, oneexample shown in FIG. 3D, will have a different geometrical arrangement.This container 30 a also has an axis of symmetry 31, but forward fin 34f and side fin 34 s are angled, like fins 42 in body 40 of FIG. 3B.These fins also have a plane passing through the center of each fin,which for fin 34 f would appear to the viewer as line 35 and for fin 34s as a plane rising out of the paper toward the top of the page.However, here the intersection of axis 31 with these planes is a point,36 as shown. The container 40 depicted in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C is acontainer having angled fins.

In the missile and spinner designs the container space of the bottleresides with substantially equal weight from the bottom of the bottle tothe narrowing portion of the bottle neck. This configuration isdesirable in those instances where it is more important to maximizecontainer volume. Alternative configurations may also be used. Forexample, the bottle shape of the tear-drop bottle positions morecontainer volume toward the neck portion. Other configurations aredescribed below which position more container space toward the bottlefoot. This can enhance the aerodynamic properties of the bottle/noseconeproduct, particularly where the product is designed to be tossed orthrown with fluid or other material inside.

The “bomb” bottle-product 60 shown in FIG. 4C is a good example of this.Looking to FIG. 4B, that example includes the now-familiar bottle body61, rounded nosecone 62 and cap 63. There, the majority of the containervolume is located near the top of the bottle 64, and the volume in thecenter 66 and somewhat as to the fins 65 is reduced. In this design, (1)the nose cone section is comparatively larger and therefore heavier,augmenting its ability to fly farther, (2) the fins on the container areextended farther from the nose cone section adding stability in flightand a better balance and weight distribution, (3) the back end of thebody is extended as is “boat tailed”, improving aerodynamic stabilityand ergonomics. To use this bottle, one consumes the beverage inside andthen fills the container with ordinary water, recognizing thatperformance will be enhanced by the removal of any entrapped air. Thecap 63 is applied and tightened, and nosecone 62 is inserted onto thecap 63. Here, nosecone 62 substantially grips only the cap 63, and istherefore made with an appropriate friction-fit to avoid the capbecoming dislodged during launch.

Having fitted the nose cone 62 onto cap 63, the user may then throw theproduct by gripping the widened portion 64 with his thumb and forefingerlocated near narrowed portion 66 using a similar motion as to throw afootball. This design, however, permits an alternate launching motion;the user may grip the end of the bottle between the fins 65 and, movinghis arm in an arc, may provide a centripetal launching force to theproduct 60 and release the product in the appropriate point of the arcto launch the product in either an upward direction or in a directionsubstantially above the horizon.

Again, the product 60 is intended to be launchable in a filledcondition. Because of this, product 60 has significantly more weightthan other products disclosed herein intended to be launched in anunfilled condition. Although added weight permits a product to overcomeair drag and fly farther, the product will also strike the ground withgreater momentum at the end of its flight. For those products intendedto be launched in a filled condition, a nose cone should be selected ofan impact-resistant material. The nosecone may also be selected from theset of softer materials to prevent injury or damage to a person orobjects impacted by the product. Here, nosecone 61 is formed of atwo-part self-skinning foam rubber, similar to that used in theNerf-type sports balls.

As to other materials that may be used to fashion a nosecone, many maybe selected depending on the hardness, resiliency and weight desired.These materials include, but are not limited to, foams, thermoplastics,thermosets and elastomeric materials. Processes to make nosecones,detachable fins and tail sections, and other extra-bottle parts includeinjection molding, compression molding, casting, foaming and many otherprocesses. The reader will note from the description above that heaviermaterials in a nosecone and lighter materials in a tail section willgenerally increase the aerodynamic stability of the assembled, throwableproducts.

The design and dimensions of the fins may permit modular stacking andgrouping of the bottles, which may prove to be advantageous for shippingand packaging. Thus, containers may be configured so that the fin of onecontainer fits into the recess between the fin of another container. Forexample, the fins 12 of FIG. 1B recess into the area 18 near the centerof the base and between two fins. That is better seen in FIGS. 1A and1F, showing the stackability of this bottle shape. FIG. 1A shows twostacked bottles as seen from the side containing neck 15, with fins 12shown in dashed lines where obstructed. Likewise, FIG. 1F shows thestacking of two bottles sectioned at the location “A” in FIG. 1D, thedashed lines showing the outline of base 17 where obstructed by fins 12.As can be seen in the example, the recessed area 18 may be shaped toreceive the outer shape of a fin 12 such that two stacked bottles areprovided with a greater contact surface area. Other containers describedherein have a like configuration, capable of stacking in substantiallythe same space as would a set of non-finned bottle bodies.

All of the missile, tear-drop, spinner and bomb examples are providedwith fins that are molded in. Providing fins in a bottle body has theadvantage that no additional step of manufacture is required; rather thebottle body comes out of a mold substantially finished.

Other features may be included to improve the aerodynamics of alaunchable beverage-model product. For example, the body of the bottlemay be elongated for added stability, shortened to fit a container orshaped or sized in many ways while maintaining its containing, throwingand flying functions. The throwing balance of the bottle body may beimproved by reducing the size of the lower trunk, which may also improvethe hand-ergonomics and the aerodynamic properties of the bottle.Additionally, other ergonomic features may be provided such as fingerdivots or palm contours. The weight and balance of a bottle body may bemodified as desired to enhance throwing and flight characteristics.

The appeal of this type of beverage container is that after use thesemay have entertainment value as a toy, certain of which may fly stablyand aerodynamically. Certain of these may have a rocket shape or othershapes as disclosed herein, providing entertaining, amusing orcompetition activity after the consumption of a beverage.

Production Sleeves

The fins 65 of bottle body 61 may provide difficulty in integrating theshape into existing bottling processes. Now referring to FIG. 5E,production sleeves 67 a and 67 b may be used to provide a shapecompatible with bottling tracks and processes. These sleeves generallyslide over the tail section of bottle body 61 providing a profilerelative to neck 68 that places the opening in a location compatible toa bottling machine. The height of a sleeve need not extend the fulllength of a bottle body, but may if that proves to be advantageous ordesirable. Sleeves may include internal ribs 69 to receive and restrainfins 65 and thereby prevent the bottle body 61 from rotating withrespect to the sleeve 67 a. Ribs are not required; rather anyrestraining internal features may be used such as channels, pins orseparators. It is not necessary for these features to extend all the wayalong the sides, however use of a two-part mold may result in thatconfiguration. This may be helpful where cap 63 is placed on bottle 61through a twisting process, where the absence of rotational restraintwould prevent the tightening of the cap. On the other hand, a sleevewithout ribs 67 b may be used where a cap is applied through a differentprocess, such as a press or snap-on motion, or with a sealed membrane.This sleeve may be used and recycled or discarded after manufacture, orit may remain for the consumer to remove. A sleeve may be formed fromany suitably stiff and strong material, including aluminum, plastic oreven cardboard.

The assembly positions and orientations of bottle body 61, cap 63,nosecone 62 and sleeve 67 a or 67 b are shown in FIG. 5A, with FIG. 5Cshowing the final assembly of these components. The state of thesecomponents after beverage consumption is shown in FIG. 5B. The sleeve isthen removed and the cap and nose are applied before flight, in theconfiguration shown in FIG. 5D.

Lugged Nosecone

A launchable beverage product may provide for means of launching otherthan by hand. Referring now to FIG. 6A, a launchable product includes abottle body 81, a cap 82 and a lugged nosecone 83. After consumption ofa beverage, all three parts are fitted together in the positions andorientations shown. FIG. 6B shows views from two directions of nosecone83. This nosecone includes cleats or lugs hooked to receive a elasticmember, which could be for example an elastic cord ended with a ring oran ordinary rubber band. Note that although three lugs are shown, onlyone is needed for this product implementation. Referring now to FIG. 6C,this product can be launched by hooking rubber band 85 onto one or moreof lugs 84, holding the rubber band opposite the hooked portion inplace, pulling back on the product 80 and releasing when the tension inthe rubber band 85 is as desired for launch. Note that in this examplethe coupling between nosecone 83 and cap 82 must be of sufficientstrength to withstand the pulling forces introduced in the launching ofthe product. Such a coupling or connection may be made with threads,teeth, pins, adhesives or by other means.

For consumer presentation and storage, an elastic cord or rubber bandcould be contained within the nosecone 83, or could be located aroundthe product or within any outer packaging provided. Such a noseconecould be made of a hard rubber, silicone, plastic or like materials toendure the forces of stress introduced on the nosecone, particularly inthe area of a lug. Alternatively, a cleat could be formed of anothermaterial, such as metal, and embedded within a nosecone at the time itis molded. This way a softer and perhaps lighter nosecone material couldbe used such as foam rubber. This nosecone could be made either hollowor solid, and processes such as blow molding, rotational molding andothers could be used.

Nosecone with Cavity

Referring now to FIG. 7A, a throwable beverage product may incorporate acavity for holding prizes, flavorings, colorants or other objects.Looking at FIG. 7B, the product as supplied to the consumer includes abody 102 sealed with a cap 104 and a nosecone 106, which may be suppliedaffixed to the cap and/or body. The cap may be removed as shown, andhidden inside may be a clip 108 that secures a liquid, powder,ingredients, toy or other object. This object might be a drink additive,vitamins and minerals, a fizzy activator, flavoring, coloring, etc.,poured into and mixed with the beverage, as shown. It might also be atoy, prize, rubber band or a separate food article such as gum or candy.The cavity may be sealed by a removable paper, plastic, membrane or foilcover to seal in the contents, providing protection in transit. Thecontents of the cap may be sealed in by a clip or other securement suchas 108, or may simply be held in place by placing the nose cone over thebottle in its place, including the top and/or bottom of the bottle.Adding a cavity to a compressible or elastic nosecone may provide formore room for the nosecone to deform on impact, softening such impactand providing for a safer product.

Attachable Finned Sections

FIG. 8A depicts the final assembly of a tossable beverage container ofthe bomb-type shape. Looking to FIG. 8C, in this example the nose 122again contains an additive that can be applied to the contents of bottlebody 124. However, in this example nose 122 does not attach to the neckportion 125 of the container 124, but rather attaches to its base 127.This nose 122 attaches to base 127 by way of a circumferential ridge,much like the example of FIG. 2D. The particular shape of a nose ornosecone is largely an aesthetic choice, although one may be moreaerodynamic than another (a rounded nose might usually be moreaerodynamic at speeds these products may encounter); hereinafter theterm nose is used for a flattened or non-pointed nose and nosecone for apointed nose, however it is to be understood that the terms nose andnosecone refer to the same functional element with respect to theproducts presented and claimed herein.

To this point the discussion has centered around the bottle bodies thathave molded-in fins. It is not necessary to provide molded-in fins, butrather fins may be provided that attach to a bottle body in numerousways, including in this example a finned section that mounts fins by wayof a common structural element. This example is intended to be sold tothe consumer with the finned attachment 126 not attached and perhapsprovided separately, but with nose 122 attached. In this configurationnose 122 is rounded, and as that configuration will easily tip and fallan additional container, for example a sectioned cardboard container,may be used in shipping and also provided to the consumer. Base 127 issubstantially flat to allow bottle body 124 to stand upright afterremoval of nose 122, which may be performed by the consumer perhaps inconnection with the application of any additives contained in the nose122. In an alternative configuration, nose 122 is not rounded but ratherhas a flat surface to allow the attached nose to act as a stand for thecombination of a bottle body and nose. In yet another configuration thenose 122 is provided to the consumer separately permitting bottle body124 to stand on a shelf near the point of sale. Nose 122 fits to body124 in this example by way of a lug that extends around thecircumference of the bottle.

For this example, the nose is applied to the bottle base 127 and thefinned section 126 attaches to the bottle neck 125. Also in thisexample, finned section 126 has interior threads that mate with the capthreads configured to receive a cap 128 on neck 125. In alternativedesigns a finned section 126 might function as a cap, or might befixable to a cap. A finned section that screws onto bottle neck 125 hasthe advantage that that section can act as a cap for bottle body 124 andseal and/or contain the contents thereof. Alternatively, a finnedsection could attach in other ways such as by tabs, snapped ridges,adhesives, etc., however the presence of threads on neck 125 provides aconvenient attachment point.

Also in this example, cap 128 may be inserted into the cavity in nose122 before the nose is applied to base 127. In this way all of theproduct components may be present in the throwable configuration and nocomponent is left loose and needing to be held or disposed of by theend-user, providing convenience to the user.

FIG. 9A shows in a shippable state 140 a “spy bottle” design havingseveral distinctive features. This example includes a bottle body 141 onwhich is positioned a tree 142. FIG. 9C shows the components of thisdesign in a disassembled state, which would occur for example afterconsumption of a beverage contained in the bottle 141. To use thebottle, a user first removes the tree 142 and cap 143. At some timebefore launch of the product the tree is separated into its componenthalves, which are a finned section 142 a and a nosecone 142 b, whichprovides an interactive element for the user. In this example, nosecone142 b provides a receptacle, not shown, for receiving cap 143 by afriction-fit and thus placement onto the neck of bottle body 141. It isto be noted that tree 142 need not be attached in any fashion to bottlebody 141, rather it may simply be loosely placed or attached with mildadhesives or shrink wrap at the point of sale.

To launch this product, the consumer places nosecone 142 b over the neckof bottle by way of cap 143. In this example, finned section 142 aincludes a threaded section at the point of attachment to bottle body141, although other attachment features might be used including afriction fit, tabs, hooks, etc. Bottle body 141 includes a receptacle onits base, not shown, configured to receive the attachment feature offinned section 142 a, which in this example is a threaded cavity in thecenter of the bottle base. The attachment of finned section 142 a tobottle body 141 may be by a permanent method (i.e. the finned section isnot removable) or it may be by a temporary method permitting a morecompact form for transportation and/or storage.

Pressurized Throwable and Launchable Beverage Products

Certain of the throwable or launchable beverage products describedherein may be pressurized to achieve certain advantages. Those productsmay incorporate a pump, operable by an end-user by which air pressuremay be provided to a beverage bottle. The product depicted in FIGS. 10A,10B, 10C 10D is exemplary of those products.

Referring to FIG. 10C, an exemplary pressurizable product is presentedin its shippable state. Here, the internal components may not bevisible, but rather the nosecone 162 may cover the opening of bottlebody 161 and any associated parts. Note that in the shippedconfiguration the fins molded in bottle body 161 are located near thenosecone and the opening in the bottle body.

To consume the contained beverage, the nosecone 162 is removed from thebottle opening, exposing a nozzle 163, as shown in FIG. 10B. A pump 164may be conveniently stored under nosecone 162, or may be storedelsewhere as desired. The beverage contained in bottle 161 may beconsumed through nozzle 162, and the walls of bottle 161 may be flexibleso that a consumer may squeeze the bottle and accelerate the dispensingof the beverage contained therein. Alternatively nozzle 162 may beremoved and the beverage consumed directly through the opening in thebottle 161.

To launch this product the nosecone 162 is placed on the end oppositethe opening of bottle 161, providing a more aerodynamic profile than ifthe flat bottle bottom were presented as a nose. Bottle 161 isconfigured to receive nosecone 162 at either end, for example byfriction-fit or by a snap feature built into the nosecone and bottle.Nosecone may be fashioned of a hard material such as plastic, or couldbe made of a softer or elastic material providing for softer impacts andimproved grippability onto bottle body 161. The intended procedureincludes the filling of bottle 161 partially with water, although thatis not strictly required. A mark could be provided on the bottle 161 asa fill line suggesting the optimal level of water, or alternatively itcould be left to the consumer/user to experiment. The consumer wouldthen secure the nozzle if necessary.

Next, the pump 164 is positioned over nozzle 163 by inserting the spigotwith o-ring onto the nozzle opening until the cuff and launching lugs ofthe pressurizing cap snaps over the nozzle rim and seats around the baseof the nozzle. The user then pressurizes the container by repeatedlydepressing the diaphragm 171 on the top of the pressurizing cap 169.Once a sufficient pressure is reached, the user would turn the bottlewith nosecone 162 pointing up, and with one hand and holding only thepressurizing cap 169 pinches the base cuff. By pinching the cuff at thepoints 90 degrees from the location of the retention lugs, the cuff willbend from circular to oval. The lugs are on the inside of the cuff atthe part of the oval farthest away from each other. As the user pinchesthe cuff, the lugs on the cuff separate with enough space to slip pastthe rim of the nozzle, allowing the pressure in the bottle 161 to pushoff the spigot and launching the product. FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C and 14Dshow the pump of FIG. 10D in several different orientations andassembled conditions.

Continuing to FIGS. 11A, 12A and 13A, pumps are shown in threeconfigurations. Looking first at FIG. 13B, the components of thepressurizing cap of FIG. 13A are shown in exploded view, having a capbody 169, a flexible diaphragm 171 and upper and lower check valves 168and 170. The upper check valve lets air back into the diaphragm oncompletion of a pump stroke (by applying pressure to the diaphragm) andthe lower check valve opens to let air into the container and closes asthe pressure equalizes and becomes greater in the bottle. When thediaphragm is pressed the upper valve closes and the lower valve opens,reinflating the diaphragm, and setting the system up for another pump ofair into the container. The one-way check valves may be fashioned offlexible material such as rubber or silicone, covering a set of holes inthe body 169 and secured in the middle. Other types of check valves maybe used, such as a duck-bill type. FIG. 12B shows the components of analternate pressurizing cap, with the differences being mainly in thetype of check valves used.

A pressuring cone may also be used, as shown in FIG. 11A. Thisconfiguration combines a nose cone with a container cap and adds thefeature of a pressurizing pump. This pump is configured with an airchamber and two one-way check valves. The air chamber is formed by aflexible cone at the tip of the nose cone. Pressurizing is by depressingor compressing this tip thereby forcing air through the cap check valve.As the tip returns to its normal non-depressed state, the check valve onthe cap closes (maintaining the pressure created in the container) andthe check valve on the air chamber opens allowing air back into the nosecone. This procedure is repeated to build up bottle pressure.

Any of these pressurizing caps may be used to build up pressure in abottle for thrust, but also provides a way for a drink container to bere-pressurized in order to preserve freshness, particularly forcarbonated beverages. A pressurizing cap may also provide stabilizingpressure for maintaining a container's shape as a toy meant to bethrown. In this way, bottles of a thin or flexible wall may be used,potentially saving cost and permitting the bottle in some cases to becollapsed for storage.

Referring now to FIGS. 15A-E, a pump for compressing air into a bottlemay be of a piston-type. A piston pump carries the advantage of shortertime to pump a similar volume as a diaphragm-type pump, although apiston pump is not as compact and may require additional volume inshipping a beverage product. This piston pump includes a ram 180 that ismoved in a cylinder 181, moving a volume of air through the variouscheck valves. A releasing cap ring 169 d provides for uncoupling of thepump to a bottle and nozzle by a squeezing pressure, as in the examplesabove.

Alternative Shapes

Rocket, missile, bomb shapes and the like are merely examples of shapesthat can be used in a launchable beverage container. Other shapes may beused, for example in the boomerang bottle shown in FIG. 16. In thatexample, the purchaser consumes the beverage through the opening in thecenter. Once empty, the product is sufficiently light that it can beused as throwable entertainment without substantial risk of injury. Thisproduct is shaped such that it can be thrown from one of its arms like aboomerang, and might be shaped for particular flight, such aslong-distance or returning in the direction of the thrower.

Referring now to FIG. 17, a bottle might be shaped in a disc, whichcould be thrown with rotational momentum in the way that other flyingdiscs are. The manufacture of either of the examples of FIGS. 16 and 17may be more complex, however these are still susceptible to manufacturethrough a blow molding or a rotational molding process, as well asothers. Additionally, these and other examples could include a pump asdescribed above rather than a cap, providing internal stiffnessparticularly where a bottle is made from thinner or flexible walls.

Atlatl Beverage Container

Similar to the products described earlier is the product depicted inFIG. 18A, having a container body 200, a nosecone 202 and a throwing arm204. Looking to FIG. 18B the components of this bottle are simplified inthat the nosecone acts as a cap for the contents of the container body200. Here, body 200 is elongated into a shape similar to a spear, withthat kind of aerodynamic properties. Throwing arm 204 could be providedwith body 200 at the point of sale, or could be provided separately asan add-on product. FIG. 18C shows the several stages of launch using thethrowing arm 204. Generally, the user places the container bottom end onthe hooked tip of the throwing arm 204 with bottle 200 resting in thearm's cradle. The user holds the throwing device in her throwing hand atthe handle end in such a way that the front of the container is facingfront, the rear of the container is facing backwards and the containeris on top of the throwing arm, with both above the hand. Holding thearm, the user flicks the throwing device in substantially a throwingmotion, which in turn applies launching force against the bottom of thebottle. Bottle 200 could be made in the ways suggested above, and arm204 could be made with the same processes (it may be hollow) or it couldbe made by another process and material that provides sufficientstiffness for the launching function.

Reversible Fins

Referring now to FIG. 19A, another tossable beverage container productis shown having reversible fins. That product again includes a beveragecontainer body 210 that mates with a finned section 211, with finsextending outward as shown. The fins are reversible to point inward, asshown in FIG. 19B, by providing body 210 with an appropriately acceptingprofile and through a double-mating built into finned section 211, inthis example by threads that mate with threads on the neck of the bottlebody. In this example finned section 211 also acts as a cap, sealing inthe contents of body 210 when in the position shown in FIG. 19B. Thisposition also presents a compact form suitable for transport andpackaging. The other, throwing position provides better aerodynamicguidance and stability by way of fins distant from the body. Othermatings may be used, for example a hole in section 210 that mates with adetent in body 210. This example includes a pliable nose 212 that snapsonto body 210 and provides impact protection as in previous examples.Finned section 211 may be sufficiently strong to permit the product tobe thrown or swung by the fins, although in other versions the fins maybe weaker and the user might be left to throw the product from thebottle body 210.

In an alternate configuration, finned section 211 does not seal body 210but rather contains a passage for the flow of air in and out of thebottle body when in its throwing position. This may also allow pressureto escape from a bottle body designed to collapse, examples of which aredescribed below. A non-sealing cap may also communicate to the user thatthe bottle is designed to be thrown empty. Note that this feature is notlimited to reversible caps, but rather may be implemented in any cap orfinned section in conformance with a beverage bottle's sealingrequirements.

Now referring to FIG. 21, a cup 208 rather than a cap may be used, beingapplied to the bottom of the bottle (the end opposite to the neck.) Thiscup 208 is substantially flat on the bottom permitting it to act as astand for its bottle.

Crush Zones

Referring now to FIG. 20B, another tossable beverage container product330 illustrates the feature of a crush zone 332 (two bottles are shown,one in a compressed state.) In this example crush zone 332 isimplemented in corrugated or accordion style, permitting the sides ofbottle body 331 to collapse and/or shorten, thus absorbing impact energyapplied to the base of body 331. A crush zone may be designed to operatewith or without cap 333; if the cap is present a portion of the impactenergy will be absorbed by the compression of air within body 331 whileproviding more bounce. The number, angle and depth of folds in crushzone 332 is selected to match the material and thickness of the sidewallof body 331 to permit flexibility and resiliency. Note that this productdoes not include an impact nose, as none is needed to prevent injury tobody 331 and objects that it might potentially strike, although a nosecould be provided if desired, for example to bias the weight of the bodytoward the nose for improved performance in flight. Thus incorporating acrush zone may simplify the design of a throwable beverage product andpermit a more inexpensive manufacture, as it may reduce the number ofparts to manufacture.

The product of FIG. 20B includes molded-in fins. Other types of fins mayalso be used with a crush zone, including a finned section or reversiblefinned section as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20C. A crush zone may bealtered for appearance, for example by application of a wave toaccordion folds as shown in FIG. 20D. Other modifications may be madewhile preserving the crush zone function, for example by replacingaccordion folds with a diamond folds or other shapes. A crush zone mightalso incorporate texture or bumps in its surface that could serve tocatch or trap some of the liquid in the container, adding some weight inthat area and providing an interesting visual effect. Note also that acrush zone could also be located in a bottle neck or elsewhere, providedthat sufficient mass remains behind the crush zone to provide absorptionof a significant portion of the product's mass.

Alternate Fins

Disclosed above are fins that are molded into a bottle body and finsincorporated in a section separate from a bottle body. Other finconfigurations are permissible and are now described.

First referring to FIG. 22A, fins may be glued, ultrasonically welded,heat welded or otherwise attached to the body of a container, or ontothe cap. Fins may also be inserted into slots or channels formed in abottle body, as in FIG. 22B, which slots/channels may be molded into thebody. The reverse is true; the slots and/or channels could be formed inthe fins with rails formed in the bottle body. Looking now to FIGS. 22Cand 22D, fins 341 might have rails with a cap 340 having channels, andvice versa. Insertable fins can be temporarily or permanently attachedthrough the use of glues, welding or other techniques. Insertable finsmay also be reversible; with fins oriented in two possible ways forpackaging and throwing.

Referring now to FIG. 23A, yet another fin configuration is shown withfins 222 inserted into a nosecone 221 for point-of-sale presentation.After purchase the consumer drinks the beverage by removing the nosecone221, fins 222 and cap 224, as in FIG. 23B. To prepare the product forthrowing the user then relocates the fins 222 to the slots in cap 224 asshown in FIG. 23D, and relocates nosecone to the bottom of bottle 223 asin FIG. 23C. The result is a tossable toy as shown in FIG. 23E.

Looking now to FIG. 24A, another tossable beverage product is shown inits point-of-sale configuration having yet another fin mount. Looking toFIG. 24B, the cap 234 of this product includes hinges and/or rivets towhich fins 232 are attached to the cap. After consuming the beverage,the user rotates fins 232 as shown in FIG. 24C and relocates the coneagain to the bottom of the bottle, resulting in the tossableconfiguration shown in FIG. 24D. Hinged fins may be spring loaded, ifdesired, to default to a refracted or extended position.

All-In-One Version

FIG. 25A depicts another tossable beverage bottle configuration, thistime using an ordinary bottle 244 and cap 245 (which might be apersonal, disposable drinking water bottle of the sort ordinarily soldin convenience and grocery stores) and an all-in-one part 240 having anose 241 and fins 242 connected by webs, spider arms or extensions 243.This type of nosecone/fin combination can be molded as a single part oras several parts to be assembled, which may either be provided with thebottle at the time of sale (perhaps even in its tossable position) orprovided separately. All-in-one part 240 might be made of plastic,metal, rubber, elastomer or many other materials, and may screw on (forexample to a threaded neck), snap on, stretch over, be glued, be weldedor otherwise attached to a beverage container.

In this example the bottle 244 is slipped between extensions 243, asshown in FIG. 25B, which arms return to their normal position afterinsertion as shown in FIG. 25C. In alternative configurations, finsmight be made separately and attached to arms, and may extend to anylength of the bottle as may be desirable for aesthetic or aerodynamicreasons. The nosecone may be made of the same material as (and even bepart of) the arms or extensions, however it may be desirable to fashionan insertable tip made of silicone, rubber or softer plastic to softenimpacts. Arms/extensions may be made of resilient plastic, or could bemade from wire, by extrusion, etc.

Interior Containment Design

Another configuration of a tossable beverage container is shown in FIG.26B in its stored state and shown in cutaway in FIG. 26B. Looking atFIG. 26C, this design includes a bottle body 251, a finned section 252which also doubles as a lit for the body, an open cap or ring 253 and inthis example an ball 254, which may be a prize or toy. As this designplaces the fins inside the container as it is shipped, a user willlikely want to rinse or clean off the fin section 252 prior to flight ofthe product. To configure this product for flight the finned section 252is inverted and secured with ring 253 back onto body 251 as shown inFIG. 26D, thereby securing the fins to the outside of the body. Theresulting tossable toy is depicted in FIG. 26E.

Although in this example bottle body 251 is wide-mouthed, a narrow-mouthversion is possible, recognizing that a finned section stored inside thebody must pass through its mouth. This version may be more suitable fordry contents or evaporative contents such as unflavored water, thusavoiding a cleaning step.

Nose-Base Bottle

FIGS. 27A-D show an alternate design of a tossable beverage product.This example does not include fins, but rather includes a nose 261 thatdoubles as a stand for bottle body 260, as seen in FIG. 27A in itsdrinking configuration. (Note, however, that this example could includefins, if desired.) Looking to FIG. 27B, this bottle body 260 includes alug 263 insertable into a hole 264 in nose/base 261, wherein the bottlebody 260 can be made to stand upright. A tight friction-fit for lug 263and hole 264 permits the nose/base 261 to be retained with body 260 ifit is lifted up, although a loose fit may also be used. To configure theproduct for shipping or throwing nose/base is applied to the top of base260, which may be by way of threads, a socket and lug or otherattachments, as shown in FIG. 27C. The result is a football-like shapeas shown in FIG. 27D; cap 262 may be applied over lug 263 if desired.

A base/nose may be used in many other configurations, including somedisclosed herein; no particular shape is necessary. However, in somedesigns fins, finned sections or bottle bases may provide a way to standa bottle body and prevent tipping and spillage of any contents. Wheresuch a preventative feature has not been provided in other parts, a nosemay be designed to double as a base as in this example.

Although this examplary product has a smoothed, football shape, othershapes and finishes may be used. Fins or rifling may be molded into abody and/or nose, which may aid in stability or provide a spin to athrown product.

Now turning to FIG. 28A, a product having a nose/base may be configuredin other ways. In this view this product appears how it would at thepoint of sale, in a compact form. Looking to FIG. 28C, this productincludes three parts, which are bottle body 271, nose/base 272 andfinned section 273. Finned section 273 includes threads or other meansof sealing the opening of bottle body 271 in the configuration of FIG.28A. To consume the beverage the firmed section 273 is uncapped frombottle body 271; the nose/base 272 may remain in the bottom of body 271to act as a stand during consumption. Note that a cavity is formed inbody 272 to receive nose/base 272 in its stand configuration; a lug,spigot or rim might also be used.

To prepare this product for flight the nose/base 272 and finned section273 are inverted and reapplied to body 271 as shown in FIG. 28D, forexample through the use of threads. The result is an “ultimate” ball asshown in FIG. 28E. The nose, fins and body may be of manufacture asdescribed above. This design attempts to provide better flyingproperties to the product, and therefore has a body that is fat in themiddle with a long neck, and nose 272 preferably has substantial weightto improve flying distance.

Powered Football-Type Beverage Product

Now turning to FIG. 29A, a beverage product may be converted into athrowable toy, in this example having a jet providing propulsion for thetoy. (Note, however, that this product need not be sold as a beveragedcontainer.) Turning now to FIGS. 29B and 29D, the parts of this productinclude a finger check valve air pump 280, air ball check valves 281 band tubes 281 a, a water bladder 282, a body with air chamber 283, awater tube 288, a butterfly valve 286, butterfly valve trigger 285 andretainer 284, a butterfly valve spring 287 and a nozzle 289. These partsare assembled as shown in FIG. 29C.

Such a product could be filled with a beverage ready to be consumed,which would be by removal of a cork or seal from the nozzle end, and,using the nozzle like a straw a person would consume the contents. Theuser could apply pressure to the pump 280 to push the contents out. Ifdesired, the consumer could refill the bladder with more beverage byentry through the nozzle with the butterfly valve in the open position.After consumption of the beverage contained inside, the consumer wouldthen be prepared for launch.

First, the water bladder is filled through the nozzle with the butterflyvalve open (the static state of the valve is in an open position, heldopen by the valve spring.) Water bladder 282 may be a thin plasticmembrane and works similar to the way a baby bottle with a liner works.Water bladder 282 is preferably full of fluid with no air inside forlaunch. The water in bladder 282 may sit forward and toward the outsideof the toy, enhancing stable flight and restricting sloshing effects ofwater contained therein. Once the bladder 282 is full, the operatorholds the butterfly valve closed using trigger 285. The operator twiststhe butterfly valve stem 90 degrees and with his index finger pressesdown in the upper trigger button (part of trigger 285) thus forcing thelower part of the trigger to block the butterfly valve stem fromreturning to its normally open position. (It is to be understood thatthis valving action can be accomplished with other mechanical devices,for example a butterfly valve could be held in a closed position by acord connected to a valve lever and wrapped around the body, perhapslaid in a channel molded into the body and held in place by the user'sindex finger.) Continuing to hold the butterfly valve trigger, theconsumer repeatedly pumps the pump 280 repeatedly, perhaps with hisfinger or thumb. The finger check valve air pump forces air through theone way ball check valves 281 b around bladder 282 through the air tubes281 a and into body 283. This pump may have a standard type of checkvalve to create pressure, but may also use the consumer's pressed fingerover a hole as a check valve. As the user's finger is removed from overthe hole the pump membrane recovers, refilling the pump with air for thenext stroke. This operation is repeated until sufficient pressure isestablished in body 283. Optionally, a pressure release valve may beincorporated to release overpressure within the tolerace of body 283 andother components, if desired. An overfill valve may be manually operableto release any pressure left in the air chamber, which may provide forease of refilling bladder 282. A pressure relief valve may beincorporated into one or both of the check valves 281 b, if desired. Itis to be understood that the structures and methods described for thisproduct can be replaced with others to accomplish this pressurizedchamber objective. The nose cone air pump may be large, soft and shockabsorbing thereby adding safety and durability.

Continuing with the launching operation, the consumer throws the productas if it were a standard football, with the index finger on the triggerand the rest of the hand around the body. At the moment the handreleases the ball (in a normal throwing motion) the index finger willnaturally be the last finger touching the ball, and thus the butterflyvalve trigger is released at the moment the ball leaves the consumer'shand. The butterfly valve will return to its open position, thepressurized air provides pressure on the water bladder and a pressurizedjet of water appears at the nozzle after a short valve-opening delay.This jet provides propulsion and can fly faster and/or farther thanunder human power only. The processes of injection molding, joining,blow molding and others can be used to manufacture this product.

Living Hinged Tossable Beverage Products

Turning now to FIG. 30A, a tossable beverage product need not bemanufactured with threads or other attachments, but rather may includeone or more living hinges 304, for example, connecting a bottle body 300to nosecone halves 302, fin portions or other components. Through theuse of living hinges, the construction of a bottle body and another partmay only require one molding step. In this example the nosecone is splitinto two halves 302, connected by an umbilical 304 that is solid,flexible and engineered to provide a durable connection. Referring nowto FIG. 30B, these nose cone halves swing away to reveal the bottle neckand cap, if present. The two halves 302 join by interlocking in twoways, which are a lug on one half fitting into a mouth by friction fitor snapping together. When interlocked, the bottle state is ready forsale, distribution and launch. To consume the bottle contents, the userseparates the halves and consumes through the exposed bottle opening.Each half 302 is preferably a shell (i.e. hollow), but could be closedor sealed. Additionally the halves 302 could be filled with water,liquid or some other material to add weight, or could remain air filledif desired. A material such as metal might also be molded in to anosecone or nosecone halves to provide additional weight. A product asshown in FIG. 31A incorporates a nosecone in one piece, connectedthrough a living hinge. To consume a contained beverage, the nosecone isswung away as shown in FIG. 31B. FIG. 32A shows an alternate beverageproduct having a pair of swing-away tail sections, with a crush zone asdescribed above. The tail sections swing away via living hinges toreveal a bottle neck, cap and opening, as shown in FIG. 32B.

A living hinge may be made through a molding process, forming both abody and a tail as in FIG. 32A, a nosecone portion as in FIG. 30B, oranother part through a single molding step. Rotational molding might bethe best method to use to make the product of FIG. 30A, although othermethods such as blow-molding, injection molding and other methods or acombination of these might be used. For a rotational mold, severalpieces (perhaps 5 or more) would be needed to accomplish the entirebottle body with attached nosecone portions as shown in one step. If aone-piece nosecone were used, perhaps a four-piece mold would berequired. Furthermore, if the one- or two-piece nose cone were twisted90 degrees longitudinally from its final attached position and at rightangles longitudinally to the bottle body, the mold form might only bethree pieces. Alternatively, an umbilical or living hinge could befashioned as a separate part and welded or otherwise attached.

Prototype Version

A prototype version of a throwable beverage bottle in the shape of FIG.1A was made and tested for performance, which information is providedhere as an indication of the potential performance of the designsdisclosed and/or claimed herein. A prototype was made substantially ofthe shape shown in FIG. 1B, which was formed using a 0.010 inch thinksheet of PET vacuum formed over an SLA rapid prototype form, intendingthat that the PET prototype would be roughly the same thickness andmaterial of the intended product as well as the same weight and materialas an standard 17.9 oz. water bottle (the prototype bottle volume is 18oz.) The prototype was fitted with a, two part foam rubber self skinningfoam nose cone, similar to that used in throwing toys. The prototypebottle weight roughly 4.5 grams including the cap from a standard waterbottle. The nose cone weighing in at roughly 6 grams bringing the totaltogether roughly 10 grams (empty). The tester threw several versions ofthis bottle, with cap and cone, increasing the weight by 5 grams twice.The same tester also threw the bottle body and cap with a 80 gram rubbernose cone as a control. Also the same tester threw an standard (17.9 ozvolume) water bottle with cap (empty weight about 4.5 grams) with the 6gram foam rubber nose cone attached (10 grams) as a control, the testeralso threw it unattached. The results were interesting:

Aero bottle with foam nose cone; 46 ft, 50 ft, 54 ft.Aero bottle with foam nose cone+5 grams; 56 ft, 49 ft, 55 ft.Aero bottle with foam nose cone+10 grams; 62 ft, 61 ft, 63 ft,Aero bottle with rubber 80 gram nose cone; 70 ft, 73 ft, 70 ft.Standard 17.9 oz water bottle with foam nose cone; 21 ft, 17 ft, 19 ft.Standard 17.9 oz water bottle (no nose cone); 11 ft, 14 ft, 12 ft

From the testing results we determined that as the weight of the nosecone is increased its ability to fly farther was also increased, likelybecause the additional weight when accelerated by throwing the bottleadded momentum to overcome the drag. At a certain point the weight addedwould theoretically begin to overload a person's ability to acceleratethe bottle or throw the bottle efficiently and would begin to decreasethe distance. However since the testing goal was to make the bottle aslight as possible for safety, and cost reasons, it wasn't at allnecessary to find that point. At a total mass of roughly 20 grams forthe third prototype bottle thrown, it was determined that 20 grams for athrowing missile (bottle, cap and nose cone) empty, was a good targetweight. However as a control the 85 gram prototype bottle was thrown totest distance. The 85 gram bottle only flew about 10 ft farther than the20 gram prototype bottle. Conversely as an additional control a standard10 gram water bottle was thrown with the foam nose cone, and it onlyflew about one third of the distance that the 20 gram prototype bottledid and less than half the distance of the prototype 10 gram bottle. Thestandard water bottle alone averaged only 12 feet. All bottles werethrown by the same person in the same manner in the same place anddistance was measured from the farthest foot forward of the thrower towere the bottle first hit the ground (and not where it finally rolled orbounced to). The test confirms that weight is an important factor indetermining the flight distance. However the aerodynamic bottle bodydesign with its aerodynamic & ergonomic body and stabilizing fins has aneven greater dramatic effect on the flight distance of the bottle as thetest results show, proofing this viability of this concept. Allprototype aerodynamic bottles regardless of weight fly straight,stability and predictable in a ballistic arc. The water bottle in eachcase thrown, flew wildly and ineffectively with the tail erraticallymoving about or with the whole bottle tumbling end over end.

Now it is to be recognized that the features described above in relationto launchable, throwable or tossable beverage bottles may beincorporated singly, or any number of these features may be incorporatedinto a single product, consistent with the principles and purposesdisclosed herein. It is therefore to be recognized that the productsdescribed herein are merely exemplary and may be modified as taughtherein and as will be understood by one of ordinary skill.

1. A throwable beverage product having fins providing a rotational bias, comprising: a bottle body having a wall and an interior, and wherein said body interior is capable of holding a beverage; a neck incorporated in said bottle body, said neck including an opening through which a beverage may be placed into or removed from said interior; fins incorporated within the wall of said bottle body, said fins providing for aerodynamic guidance of said body as said body travels through the air in a direction defined by a vector passing through said neck, wherein each of said fins define a plane passing through the substantial center of each fin, further wherein said defining vector may not be positioned to be contained within any of the planes of defined by each fin; a cap portion having a seal fitted to seal said neck and provide enclosure for said interior; and a nose, said nose being separable and attachable to said bottle body, optionally by way of said cap portion, said nose providing for a covering of said bottle body when attached to said bottle body.
 2. A throwable beverage product according to claim 1, wherein said nose is adapted to attach to an uncapped bottle.
 3. A throwable beverage product according to claim 2, wherein said nose is adapted to attach to an uncapped bottle using threads.
 4. A throwable beverage product according to claim 3, wherein said nose includes said cap portion, and further wherein said noise when attached on said neck, acts as a cap.
 5. A throwable beverage product according to claim 1, wherein said nose is adapted to attach to a capped bottle.
 6. A throwable beverage product according to claim 5, wherein said nose is adapted to attach to a capped bottle using an attachment method selected from the group consisting of slip-fit, friction fit and detents.
 7. A throwable beverage product according to claim 1, wherein said body includes an attachment feature, whereby said nose is adapted to attach to said body using said attachment feature, and wherein the attachment feature is selected from the group consisting of a lug, a ridge and a flute.
 8. A throwable beverage product according to claim 1, wherein said nose is adapted to cover said neck of said bottle body when attached to said bottle body.
 9. A throwable beverage product according to claim 1, wherein in the throwing configuration of said product, said nose has a mass that biases the balance of said product toward the nose.
 10. A throwable beverage product according to claim 1, wherein said nose is fashioned from a pliable material.
 11. A throwable beverage product according to claim 1, wherein said nose is fashioned from a stiff material.
 12. A throwable beverage product according to claim 1, further comprising an object, wherein said nose includes a cavity for holding said object.
 13. A throwable beverage product according to claim 12, wherein said object is selected from the group consisting of prizes, toys, messages, identifiers, beverage additives and colorants.
 14. A throwable beverage product according to claim 1, wherein said body further includes recesses, wherein said body has a stackable configuration whereby two of said bodies may be stacked together, and further wherein in that stacking one of the fins of one of said bottles fits into said recess formed in the other of said bottles.
 15. A throwable beverage product according to claim 1, wherein said nose is attachable to the bottom of said body.
 16. A throwable beverage product according to claim 1, wherein the attachment of said nose to said body is selected from the group consisting of threads, snaps, ridge and flutes, lug and hole, adhesives and friction fits.
 17. A throwable beverage product according to claim 1, wherein the shape of said nose is selected from the group consisting of pointed, rounded and flattened shapes.
 18. A throwable beverage product having fins providing a rotational bias, comprising: a bottle body having a wall and an interior, and wherein said body interior is capable of holding a beverage; a neck incorporated in said bottle body, said neck including an opening through which a beverage may be placed into or removed from said interior; fins incorporated within the wall of said bottle body, said fins providing for aerodynamic guidance of said body as said body travels through the air in a direction defined by a vector passing through said neck, wherein each of said fins define a plane passing through the substantial center of each fin, further wherein said defining vector may not be positioned to be contained within any of the planes of defined by each fin; a cap portion having a seal fitted to seal said neck and provide enclosure for said interior; a nose, said nose being separable and attachable to said bottle body, optionally by way of said cap portion, said nose providing for a covering of said bottle body when attached to said bottle body; and a production sleeve adapted for transport through a track or conveyor, said sleeve being further adapted for insertion of said bottle body in a fins-first position whereby said neck is held in a fixed external position relative to the outside of said production sleeve.
 19. A throwable beverage product according to claim 18, wherein said production sleeve further comprises a feature configured to prevent the rotation of said bottle body in said sleeve.
 20. A throwable beverage product according to claim 19, wherein said feature is selected from the group consisting of ribs, channels, pins and separators. 